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San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro was approved by the U.S. Senate Banking Committee today as head of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Castro was previously nominated for the position by President Obama earlier this year.
The Senate Banking Committee voted 16-6 in favor of Castro’s potential new position. With the Committee’s approval, his nomination will now head to the full Senate for a final vote. However, it is already expected that Castro will be approved by the Senate for the U.S. Housing Secretary position. If approved, Castro will replace Shaun Donovan. Donovan was nominated earlier this week to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Castro has displayed solid viewpoints concerning issues within HUD. During his confirmation hearing last week, he was given the opportunity to express his thoughts on the future of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, although he was questioned on other issues as well. Regarding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Castro wants to prevent taxpayers from experiencing the brunt of another housing crisis bailout, much like in 2008. Furthermore, another goal of Castro is to prevent another bailout for the FHA.
As an approved nominee for U.S. Housing Secretary, Castro has shown his rising presence in the political arena. Castro holds the title of youngest city councilman in San Antonio and is also known for being the first Hispanic to deliver a keynote address at a Democratic National Convention.